As the saying goes, "Food is heaven for the people." In Chinese culture, food holds an important place. During festivals, family and friends gather to enjoy a feast together. However, there are many dining etiquettes worth noting, from dining posture and the use of utensils to conversation and behavior. Good table manners not only reflect respect for guests but also showcase one's cultural background and upbringing. How many of these etiquettes do you recognize?
Seating Etiquette
Traditional Chinese culture emphasizes "order among the young and old," which is also evident in seating arrangements at banquets. "The honored sit at the top, while the less honored sit at the lower seats." In most cases, the "top seat" faces the door and is reserved for elders and guests as a sign of respect. Younger individuals should only take their seats after the elders have sat down.
Utensil Etiquette
Chopsticks are one of the most traditional utensils in Chinese culinary culture, and there are many important etiquettes that have been passed down through the ages. One major taboo is "clinking chopsticks," as beggars in ancient times would tap bowls to attract attention. Doing so at the dining table is considered impolite. The placement of chopsticks is also an art; they should not be inserted upright into rice, as this resembles ancestral worship. Additionally, chopsticks should not be placed apart over a bowl, as this implies separation. The best placement is to keep them neatly side by side on the right or left of the rice bowl, depending on personal habits.
Dining Etiquette
In addition to inviting elders to sit first, younger diners should allow elders to begin using their chopsticks to show respect. When starting to pick up food, one should choose items close to oneself and avoid picking from all sides or "flying elephants crossing the river." This not only risks dropping food but can also disturb others. If there is a rotating platter, one should slowly turn it to bring food closer before picking it up. After finishing the meal, one should wait for the elders to leave the table before doing so themselves; if one must leave partway through, it is essential to ask the elders first. Enjoying delicious food while maintaining elegant table manners is also an art of "eating."
With the continuous exchange of Eastern and Western culinary cultures, Chinese cuisine and its etiquette are increasingly favored by foreigners. If you want to introduce the dining etiquette of Chinese cuisine to your foreign friends, you can watch the interactive learning videos from the TVNews Reward Program to learn related English terms about Chinese dining etiquette and promote the art of "eating" in Chinese culture!